Dianne Padula

Kulpmont – Dianne Padula, 80, passed away on September 5, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in the Bronx, NY, on January 13, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Hecker) Zanuck.

On August 28, 1965, she married the love of her life, Mark Padula, at the former St. Mary’s Church in Kulpmont. Together they built a family grounded in faith, devotion, and deep affection.

Dianne was a graduate of Kulpmont High School, Class of 1964. She had a lifelong love of education, and after her children were grown, she returned to school to study nursing. She graduated from the Washingtonville School of Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked as a private duty caretaker as well as in several local nursing homes, where her compassion and dedication touched countless lives.

Dianne was a gifted seamstress who could create anything from doll clothes to elaborate gowns. Her creativity and skill were admired by many, and she poured love into every stitch. She also served her community as an auditor for Kulpmont for many years, a role she carried out with integrity and commitment.

Dianne is survived by her husband, Mark; four children, Elizabeth (Patrick) Bendas, Andrea (Keith) Petch, Mark J. Padula Jr., and Nancy (Mike) Bradley; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer, Danielle, Sophie, Patrick Jr., John, Heather, Holly, Michael, Sophia, Liam, Sean, and Bridget; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings, Rosemary Thoms, Michael, and Paul; and a granddaughter, Emily Padula.

Dianne’s family was always her greatest priority. She was active in St. Mary’s PTO and played a key role in establishing the school library. She was destined to be surrounded by children, and she embraced that calling wholeheartedly. When her own children entered the workforce, she became the designated babysitter, caring for her grandchildren before and after school, making sure each one had a good breakfast and got to the bus stop on time.

Dianne will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her gentle spirit, her creativity, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured with love.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kulpmont. Viewing will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. with Vigil Prayers at 6 p.m. and Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. with Transferal Prayers at 10 a.m. in C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley P. Doyle. Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shamokin Coal-Township Public Library, 210 E. Independence St., Lower Level, Shamokin, PA 17872, or Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, 2001 Clinton Ave, Coal Township, PA 17866. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com